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Christopher Jackson | 9/6/2007 | Nissan
In case you hadn't noticed, there's a bit of a revolution going on among compact pickup trucks. Not only have most of the entrants in the segment been redesigned in the past year or two (the Ford Ranger is the only holdout and, interestingly, remained the best-seller until just this year), but everyone's upsizing as well.
All-new in 2005, the Nissan Frontier became the latest compact pickup truck to get a makeover and start calling itself a "mid-size" pickup truck.
Nissan has been bringing compact pickups to the U.S. since 1958, so they're not new to this. The Frontier's growth in size is indicative of the general shift toward more capable trucks. It won't do to have a pickup truck that's a glorified economy car any more; the new Frontier has graduated to the platform that underpins the full-size Nissan Titan pickup. The new frame is essentially a chopped and narrowed version of the Titan's fully boxed chassis. It's 9.8 inches longer than last year's Frontier, for improved ride and cargo carrying ability.
The sturdy frame isn't the only thing hand-me-down from the Frontier's big brother. The styling will also have onlookers thinking of the full-size truck, with a one-piece grille and headlight unit and boxy, blocky fender flares. The tailgate "armor" is another Nissan truck hallmark. The Frontier offers a factory spray-in bedliner to reduce damage caused by heavy or rough cargo, and handy, rack-mounted "Utilitrack" adjustable cargo tie-downs similar to those found in the full-size Titan. King Cab and Crew Cab versions are offered. Both are four-doors; the Crew Cab's conventional, the King Cab's rear-hinged.
Inside, the Frontier also benefits from an interior makeover. Nissan has finally acknowledged the discomfort of long-legged drivers with taller seats that won't cramp the thighs of six-footers. The dash is businesslike but stylish, and there are holders big enough for one-liter bottles in the doors. A two-tiered glovebox offers additional cargo space. Under the rear seats there are cargo bins, and the front passenger seat folds flat, should one need to carry awkward cargo inside the cab. There's enough space for full-sized adults in the back of the Crew Cab, too.
Things have gotten stronger under the hood, where a 265-horsepower V6 provides serious growl. This 4.0 liter powerplant shares some DNA with the V6 engines found in the 350Z and Maxima, and includes continuously variable valve timing, Teflon-coated pistons and a variable induction system. In English, that means it's smooth and powerful all through the rev range. We found the throttle on our test truck to be twitchy, resulting in jerky power delivery. Clearly, this truck doesn't like to be held back. For economy-minded buyers, a 2.5 liter four-cylinder is also offered in the base Frontier King Cab, as a two-wheel drive only. V6 buyers get a choice of five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmissions; we drove the automatic, and found it to be a good box. Four-wheel drive is available only with the six-cylinder engine. Thanks to its powerful engine, the Frontier can to up to 6500 pounds--more than some full-size trucks.
Four-wheel drive Frontiers offer an off-road four-wheel limited-slip system, which controls traction in the dirt. Hill Descent Control (HDC), which limits wheelspin going downhill, and Hill Start Assist (HAS), which prevents rollback when starting up a steep grade, are Land Rover-like features.
Ride and handling are par for the course; with an independent front, solid-axle rear suspension like most other pickups have, there's not much variation. Double wishbones are used up front, and offer more precise turn-in. It's a predictable setup, with decent pavement manners and aggressive handling off-road. Long-travel springs improve the Frontier's articulation in the dirt, as do the available Bilstein off-road tuned shocks and an electric locking rear differential. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes are standard equipment. Side-impact airbags are available.
It's rougher and tougher, just like a pickup truck should be. Frontier prices start around $15,800 for a two-wheel drive King Cab model with the economy-minded four-cylinder. A four-wheel drive King Cab like our test truck starts at $21,700 with a manual transmission. The new junior partner to the burly Nissan Titan is proving to be a worthy member of the team.
Specifications:
All specs are for the 2006 Nissan Frontier SE King Cab.
Length: 205.5 in.
Width: 72.8 in.
Height: 69.7 in.
Wheelbase: 125.9 in.
Curb weight: 4323 lb.
Payload: 1367 lb.
Towing capacity: 6300 lb. (6500 lb. 2WD)
Base price: $21,700
Price as tested: $25,005
Engine: 4.0 liter DOHC V6
Drivetrain: five-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
Horsepower: 265 @ 5600
Torque: 284 @ 4000
Fuel capacity: 21.1 gal.
Est. mileage: 15/20
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